Louisiana Voters Face Key Decisions: Legislative Sessions & Tax Sale Revamp!
Hey there, Louisiana! Mark your calendars because in just four days, the Dec. 7 general election is here! It’s your chance to make your voice heard!
- Curious about what’s on your ballot? Get the scoop RIGHT HERE.
- Stay updated with all our election coverage HERE.
- Need sample ballots, polling locations, and more? Check out the Secretary of State’s website.
This election isn’t just about local tax propositions and runoffs; every voter will also weigh in on four critical proposed constitutional amendments.
We’ve already unpacked the first two amendments, and now it’s time to dive into the juicy details of the third and fourth!
The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PAR), a trusted independent research organization, is here to offer a clear, non-partisan breakdown of each proposed amendment so you can make an informed decision. Check out PAR’s guide for context and arguments on both sides!
Amendment 3: The Power of Time
Amendment 3 is all about giving our lawmakers a little breathing room. If passed, it would allow them to extend the regular legislative session by up to six days when they need more time to pass crucial spending bills.
Currently, lawmakers have a set time frame of either 60 or 85 days, depending on the year. If they can’t wrap things up, it leads to an inconvenient special session.
Supporters argue this extension could save taxpayer dollars by avoiding a special session—think of it as extra time to finalize important decisions without the hassle! PAR President Steven Procopio explains, “This gives us extra time and could save some money.”
On the flip side, critics warn that lawmakers should already have ample time to get the job done within the regular session. Plus, extending the session could add up to significant costs, with a six-day extension estimated to run taxpayers about $155,000. Yikes!
Text on ballot
“Do you support an amendment to allow the legislature to extend a regular session in increments of two days up to a maximum of six days if necessary to pass a bill appropriating money?”
PAR guide to Amendment 3
A VOTE FOR WOULD: Grant lawmakers the ability, with a two-thirds majority, to extend a regular legislative session by up to six days if they need more time to finalize a spending bill.
A VOTE AGAINST WOULD: Keep the current legislative session schedule intact, where the House and Senate convene for 85 days in even-numbered years and 60 days in odd-numbered years.
Amendment 4: Rethinking Tax Sales
Amendment 4 aims to revamp Louisiana’s approach to unpaid property taxes. Under the current system, if you miss a payment by Dec. 31, your local tax collector can auction off your property! Scary, right?
But with Amendment 4, things could change dramatically. This amendment proposes shifting from a tax sale process to a tax lien auction process, creating more options for property owners to address their debts.
Currently, if an owner falls behind, their property can be put up for auction, with the buyer essentially purchasing a percentage of the debt—not the house itself. Procopio explains, “It’s like a mortgage; if the original owner doesn’t pay up, the lien holder can force a sale.”
Advocates for this amendment say it provides more flexibility for property owners and aligns with recent Supreme Court rulings. However, opponents argue that the change isn’t mandatory yet and might deter investors due to longer timelines.
Text on ballot
“Do you support an amendment to eliminate mandatory tax sales for nonpayment of property taxes and require the legislature to provide for such procedures by law; to limit the amount of penalty and interest on delinquent property taxes; and to provide for the postponement of property tax payments under certain circumstances?”
PAR guide to Amendment 4
A VOTE FOR WOULD: Transition Louisiana from a tax sale process to a tax lien auction process for handling unpaid property taxes.
A VOTE AGAINST WOULD: Maintain the existing tax sale process for local governments seeking to recover unpaid property taxes.
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